[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATIONS, CHIEF THOMAS C. O'REILLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues here in the House 
of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to a man who has served 
the Newark community with distinction for over 36 years, our Chief of 
Police, Thomas C. O'Reilly. His many friends, colleagues, and family 
will gather on Thursday, April 29, for a testimonial dinner in Newark 
to honor him for his contributions and to express appreciation for his 
decades of dedicated service.
  A lifelong resident of Newark, Chief O'Reilly attended St. Columba 
Grammar School and St. Benedicts Prep, then went on to earn an 
undergraduate degree from Kean College and a master's degree from John 
Jay College of New York City. He furthered his education at 
Northwestern University, a Police Administration Institute. Chief 
O'Reilly, who is affectionately known as ``Tom,'' has built an 
impressive record throughout his career in law enforcement. He was 
appointed a patrolman and entered the Academy on December 10, 1956; he 
was later assigned to the 2nd Precinct and then to the Detective 
Division. Later, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the 
Traffic Bureau. In 1966, he was assigned to the Police Training Academy 
and then promoted to Lieutenant in 1968. He was assigned to the Office 
of Management Improvement and Professional Development and assigned as 
Commanding Officer of the Gambling Squad. Upon promotion to Captain, he 
was assigned as the Commander of the West District in 1974 and then 
promoted to the rank of Inspector in 1977, where he was assigned as 
Commander of the Tactical Force. In 1978, he was assigned to the 
Detective Division until promotion to Deputy Chief of Police in 1983. 
Later, he was assigned Chief of Staff to the Police Director and in 
1986, he assumed the role of Commanding Officer of the Office of 
Management Improvement and Professional Development. In 1987, he 
ascended to the position of Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief 
of Police. In 1991, he was assigned as Chief of Staff to the Police 
Director, and on November 9, 1992, he took over the reins as Chief of 
Police.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief O'Reilly has touched many lives in our community 
throughout his years of service. He has been a positive influence and a 
great role model. I know my colleagues join me in wishing Chief 
O'Reilly all the best and commending him for a job well done.

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